FROM SOLDIER TO BIO-MEDICAL TECH LEGACY

Kavaisi Thomas

A JOURNEY OF PERSEVERANCE AND SUCCESS

Kavaisi Thomas, a proud alumnus of Albany Technical College, exemplifies the power of resilience and dedication. Graduating in the summer of 2019 from the Biomedical Electronics Technology Degree Program with a specialization in Instrumentation Technology, Kavaisi has transformed his life and the lives of those around him.

Current Employer - Piedmont Memorial Hospital employed as a Bio-Medical Tech

Kavaisi's journey is marked by his service in the United States Army, where he dedicated four years to his country. Following his military service, he ventured into various fields, including car sales and retail management at Circuit City, where he installed breathalyzer devices in vehicles. However, it was at Albany Technical College that Kavaisi found his true calling.

Balancing the responsibilities of being a father to two beautiful girls and a dedicated husband while working two full-time jobs, Kavaisi faced numerous challenges. Albany Tech’s flexible independent study options allowed him to manage his family and work commitments without compromising his education. Active participation in the Robotics Team and SkillsUSA further enriched his college experience.

Kavaisi credits Albany Tech’s job fairs and supportive faculty for keeping him focused on his goals. Receiving the Ethics Award was a pivotal moment, reinforcing the importance of resilience and ethical conduct in his personal and professional life.

Reflecting on his time at Albany Tech, Kavaisi shared, "Albany Tech allowed me to set up independent studies on several classes that permitted me to provide for my family and still be able to focus on my schoolwork as well. From helping to properly format my resume, my portfolio, recommending employers, and advising of job opportunities, Albany Tech was always there for me."

With ambitious plans for the future, Kavaisi aims to continue his education to obtain an engineering degree and dreams of opening clinics to assist hospitals with medical equipment.

Kavaisi’s story is not just one of personal success but also one of gratitude and giving back. “To Albany Tech, I say what I tell my family every day. I will not let you down,” he affirms. His journey from soldier to a skilled bio-medical technician is an inspiration to current and future students of Albany Technical College, showcasing that with determination and the right support, anything is possible.